Navigation
Free Newsletter

Give us your email address and we'll send you periodic updates and information!

Related Sites
  1. How to Get Rid of Black Circles Under Your Eyes: 10 steps ...

    Dark circles under the eyes tend to age us more than wrinkles or grey hair. Discoloration of the under-eye skin affects many of us from time to time.

    http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Black-Circles-Under-Your-Eyes

  2. Food allergies | BabyCenter

    Learn what causes food allergies and how you can tell if your baby can't tolerate certain foods.

    http://www.babycenter.com/0_food-allergies_12409.bc

  3. Dog Allergy Symptoms - Resources to Treat Dog Allergy Symptoms

    Learn more about symptoms of dog allergy and how to tell the different types of dog allergy symptoms.

    http://dogallergysymptoms.net/

Related News
  • New Education About Allergy Eye, Dry Eye and the Tear Film from Sharon Kleyne - PR Web (press release)
    PR Web (press release)New Education About Allergy Eye, Dry Eye and the Tear Film from Sharon KleynePR Web (press release)Researcher and radio talk show host, Sharon Kleyne, describes the causes of dry eye and susceptibility to eye allergies. The rapid worldwide increase in dry eye disease, according to researcher and radio talk show host Sharon Kleyne, is also creating a ...
  • People's Pharmacy: Mango allergy mimics poison ivy - The Seattle Times
    People's Pharmacy: Mango allergy mimics poison ivyThe Seattle TimesThis became swelling around my mouth and beside one eye. I looked on the Internet and found that mango is related to poison ivy. Apparently there is an oil in the skin that can trigger reactions. Why is this not more widely known?and more »
  • Food allergies are on the rise in schools VIDEO - Royal Oak Daily Tribune
    Food allergies are on the rise in schools VIDEORoyal Oak Daily TribuneNowadays, peanut allergies are so common that children at Oxford Elementary School and most other Oakland County elementaries are provided with a separate table to ensure they aren't affected by peanuts in food eaten by other children.
  • When should I start testing my kids for allergies? - South Asia Mail
    When should I start testing my kids for allergies?South Asia MailIn less serious cases, such as the only symptom being red itchy eyes upon exposure to an animal, the long wait of a year will not harm the child. If a child has asthma, allergy testing is required sooner than later. An allergy may aggravate asthma ...
  • Food Allergies Much Less Prevalent Than Claims Of Food Allergies, According To ... - Huffington Post
    Food Allergies Much Less Prevalent Than Claims Of Food Allergies, According To ...Huffington PostIt's a cliche, at this point, to note that many more people claim to have food allergies today than they did a decade or two ago. In some David Chang-loving circles, you're expected to rail against the tyranny of "peanut-free schools" and to roll eyes ...and more »
  • Keeping on top of your child's asthma care during allergy season - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
    Keeping on top of your child's asthma care during allergy seasonMilwaukee Journal SentinelBy (ARA) (ARA) - For many with seasonal allergies, the start of spring means itchy eyes and a runny nose, but for the almost 25 million Americans suffering with asthma, the season can be much more threatening. In fact, according to a recent survey, ...and more »
  • Peanut allergies are on the rise - Asbury Park Press
    Peanut allergies are on the riseAsbury Park Press“Nick had hives all over, his eyes were red, his neck and arms were swelling and he couldn't really talk,” Glovich said. While the nurse administered adrenaline from an EpiPen to a shaking and near-catatonic Nicholas, “we called 911 and I prayed he ...and more »
  • A cold left me unable to smell or taste for TWO years... Would I ever enjoy ... - Daily Mail
    Daily MailA cold left me unable to smell or taste for TWO years... Would I ever enjoy ...Daily MailWith a runny nose, itchy eyes, persistent cough and sore chest, my symptoms were nothing out of the ordinary. Yet when they disappeared, I was left with one that has had a profound and dispiriting effect on my life. I seemed to have permanently lost my ...
  • Do you sneeze very often? - Nigerian Tribune
    Do you sneeze very often?Nigerian TribuneHaving allergies could mean a variety of things. Allergies may range from problems, such as mild sinus and nasal allergies that cause cold-like symptoms affecting the nose, throat and eyes, to severe life-threatening reactions (anaphylaxis).
  • Weather wreaks havoc on allergies - WAVY-TV
    WAVY-TVWeather wreaks havoc on allergiesWAVY-TV(WAVY) - Winter weather is causing more allergy sufferers to show up at doctor's offices for help. Local doctors report an increase in patients with upper respiratory issues. "Sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion. Those are my symptoms," one patient ...
Article
Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments of Eye Allergies

Eye allergies affect roughly 10% of the U.S. population. Though some eye allergies are mild and seasonal, others can have severe results ending in permanently impaired vision or even blindness if not properly treated. Eye allergies may be the result of a few different causes and as such will have a few different treatments.

 

The conjunctiva plays an integral part in allergies. The conjunctiva, which is the membrane also responsible for nose allergy, eyes have as well. It is the mucus membrane which covers the white surface of the eyeball and inner folds of the eyelids. Irritants, allergens, or any other cause for allergic reaction usually will have to go through the conjunctiva first. This causes the release of histamine as a mediator. It is the release of histamine that can cause redness, itching, swelling, tearing and other symptoms.

 

 

Eye allergies, causes, and symptoms

 

 

Allergic conjunctivitis

 

This is one of the most common eye allergies. Conjunctivitis means the inflammation of the conjunctiva. It is usually seasonal and is caused by pollens although indoor irritants such as dust mites, pet dander, and molds may also be the cause. Symptoms can include redness, itching, burning, tearing, swelling of the eyelid, and a watery discharge.

 

 

Conjunctivitis with atopic dermatitis (also keratoconjunctivitis)

 

This is a more severe conjunctivitis. The causes are obviously similar to that of conjunctivitis but can also be potentially caused by food allergies. Symptoms include those of allergic conjunctivitis but more intense; intensely itchy eyes, heavy discharge, eyelids may develop scales or crusts, and in extreme cases the eyes experience a sensitivity to light.

 

In up to 10% of cases this can result in cataracts or in rare cases, blindness.

 

 

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis

 

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is keratoconjunctivitis that occurs in the springtime (vernal refers to spring). Usually occurs in dry, dusty, windy, and warm climated rural areas. Symptoms include intense itch, light sensitivity, lids will feel uncomfortable or droopy, a stringy discharge, and a cobblestone effect under the eyelids.

 

 

Giant papillary conjunctivitis

 

Large bumps, papillae, form on the upper conjunctiva underneath the eyelids, hence the name. Often this is the result of a foreign substance, usually contact lenses. Whether the protein that can build up on the lenses, the lenses themselves, or the solution, it also causes itching of the eye and redness.

 

 

There are two main ways of dealing with eye allergies; avoidance and medication. With avoidance, take preventative measures such as cleaning your household of dust, dander, and mites. Avoid environments heavy in pollens and other irritants. Also try to wear wrap around sunglasses which can help prevent airborne irritants. It is important not to rub your eyes even though they may itch as this will irritate the mast cells furthering the effects. This can also lead to scarring of the cornea in severe cases. Moistening your eyes with artificial tears can also help as this can dilute allergens and prevent them from sticking to the conjunctiva. (obviously this is not the best solution for giant papillary conjunctivitis).

 

Medication alternatives may be required in some of the more intense cases. Antihistamines block histamine receptors in the eyes which will stop the itching but not the redness and swelling. Decongestants can prevent redness and swelling by shrinking blood vessels of the conjunctiva but not the itching. Obviously using these two in tandem can result in greater comfort by addressing the reactions. There are also topical anti-inflammatory drugs which can mostly be obtained by prescription. These are used in the most severe cases but should be only used at the doctor’s direction and taken with moderation and caution.

 

_______

To learn more about allergy relief, click here.

Video
This is your YouTubeVideo
Visitor Comments
Allergy Eyes

Privacy Policy - Your information will never be shared, rented, or sold for any reason, unless compelled by law. Terms of Service - The owner of this site makes no claims nor personally endorses any product advertised herein. Links on this page may be paid or otherwise compensated.